Norway Warning or Danger Tips by FletteMette

There are three species of snake in Norway - only one of which is venomous: the Common Viper (Vipera berus), called hoggorm ("striking snake"! in Norwegian). Despite the name, the hoggorm does not really pose a threat to humans - the small snake is quite timid and defensive, it prefers to crawl quietly away instead of attacking... :o) It will only bite you if you touch it or accidentally step on it.

The venom of the Common Viper is not very potent - unless you're allergic you probably won't have any problems at all if you're unlucky enough to get bitten by one. But do seek medical assistance immediately just in case! (Phone 113) Do not try any form of first aid, other than immobilizing the affected limb and keeping the victim calm.

The Common Viper can be found throughout Southern Norway, and is fairly common in some areas - up to about 1000 meters above sea level. To the north of Trondheim it only exists along the coast - approximately as far north as Sømna in Nordland county.

The Common Viper rarely reaches more than 65 cm in length, and if you're lucky enough to spot one it's typically curled up in the sun, on a rock or among heather. The male snakes are typically greyish in colour, the females brownish - and both with an easily recognizable black zigzag stripe along the back. Some are almost totally black though, and can be confused with other species.

I think these snakes are really beautiful, and a forest walk gets even better when I get to see one!:o) Even if you're not a fan of snakes, you should be aware that the Common Viper is a protected species, do not harm them in any way!!

And what are the other two species of snake found in Norway? Grass snake (Natrix natrix, buorm) and smooth snake (Coronella austriaca, slettsnok) - these are completely harmless.

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Phone: 113 - Medical emergency

You'll see these elk warning signs along roads in most of Norway - and in practically every souvenir shop in the country as well.... :o) The warning sign has proved popular with tourists - buy your copy at any souvenir shop (or maybe you fancy one pictured on a t-shirt, cap, mug, key ring...you name it!:o)

The elk (= moose to the Americans!) is plentiful in most areas of Norway - apart from in the westernmost fjord areas, and in the high mountains.

Be very aware that a collision with an elk might well be fatal for both you and the animal - the elk's body shape (a large, massive body on top of long skinny legs) makes a collision particularly dangerous - the elk will very likely come crashing through the front window of your car. Be extra careful at dusk and dawn, when the elks tend to be out and about. Pay attention to the speed limits, and always wear your seat belt.

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If you're driving in Norway, make sure to follow the speed limits, and also not to break any other traffic rules - if you fail on this, your holiday might become a *lot* more expensive than expected!!

Here are the current speeding fines:

Speed limit 60 km/h or lower - driving 1-5 km/h above the limit will result in a 600 NOK ticket, and
6-10 km/h - 1600 NOK
11-15 km/h - 2900 NOK
16-20 km/h - 4200 NOK
21-25 km/h - 6500 NOK

Speed limit 70 km/h or higher - driving 1-5 km/h above the limit will result in a 600 NOK ticket, and
6-10 km/h - 1600 NOK
11-15 km/h - 2600 NOK
16-20 km/h - 3600 NOK
21-25 km/h - 4900 NOK
26-30 km/h - 6500 NOK
31-35 km/ - 7800 NOK - that's ca 950 euro, or 1250 USD!;o)

Not wearing your seat belt will result in a 750 NOK ticket. Do *not* drive under the influence of alcohol (not that it's a good idea anyway!!!) - Norway has very strict drink-driving laws, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content that is 0,2‰ or higher. (Which means that you can't really drink at all if you intend to drive.) Drink-driving will result in hefty fines - and quite possibly a stay in a Norwegian prison.

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When driving in rural parts of Norway - and especially in the mountains - you'll most likely come across goats, sheep or even reindeer on or along the road.

Goats and sheep roam around freely in many areas of Norway, and sunbathing on warm asphalt seems to be one of their favourite activities.. :o) Drive carefully if you see any of these warning signs - and if you've seen *one* sheep be prepared to meet the rest of the herd around the next turn of the road.

A tip if you're driving past lots of goats: look for signs along the road that say "geitost" or "brunost" - if you've read my tip about "useful words and phrases when driving in Norway" you'll know that it means goat's cheese, brown cheese - and that you should stop and buy some of the special sweet, brown Norwegian cheese. :o)

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